MLUI is moving!

Beginning April 1, we will be called the Mississippi Land Use Institute, with headquarters in Bobo, MS. We’ve already purchased a streamlined trailer to take advantage of the sunny, warm climate.

MLUI is packing up and heading south, leaving behind eight-month winters and the first part of our name.

Beginning today, April 1, we will be called the Mississippi Land Use Institute, with new headquarters in beautiful Bobo, MS. We’ve already purchased a streamlined trailer for our new office to take advantage of the sunny, warm climate – it’s outfitted with second-hand solar panels, which we expect to pay off in no more than 20 years.

“We love Michigan, but just not THAT much,” said Executive Director Hans Voss. “These winters have taken a toll on all of us. Just last week, a pothole literally swallowed up our program director Jim Lively who was riding his bike to work. His last words to us were – GET OUT!”

Mississippi was chosen not only for it's abundant sunshine and warm temps, but also so we can keep our MLUI swag.

It wasn't an easy decision to pull up roots, but it’s been welcomed by many in northern Michigan who had grown tired of MLUI’s efforts to support a clean environment and strong local economy.

“Finally, I can go to McDonald’s and order a burger made with foreign beef and out-of-state fries without the guilt,” said Jimmy Florette, of Traverse City. “Last time I tried that, Diane Conners was standing outside my car when I got back with a pamphlet about the benefits of local food. I mean, COME ON! It’s just a burger!”

Energy companies from out of state are already looking into building a new coal-fired power plant in town, right along the base Grand Traverse Bay.

“Phew. Good luck Mississippi coal-lovers,” said Rog Wellington, of Electrofun Power, who had a long-running battle with MLUI over the plant. “Kiss your ash goodbye.”

Voss said he’ll miss the few weeks of summer in Michigan, and he’s already planning a cross-country run back north in time for the Cherry Festival. But he’s not staying.

“Have you ever had local Koolickles?” he said of the famed Mississippi concoction—Kool-Aid-soaked pickles. “That alone is worth the move.”